Legal Definitions - compensatio injuriarum

Compensatio injuriarum is a Latin term that means "the compensation of wrongs." In Scots law, it refers to the setoff in a defamation action.

For example, if Person A sues Person B for defamation and it is found that Person A also defamed Person B, then compensatio injuriarum may be applied. This means that the damages awarded to Person A may be reduced or eliminated because Person B also suffered harm.

Another example could be if Person A and Person B get into a physical altercation and both are injured. If Person A sues Person B for their injuries, compensatio injuriarum may be applied if it is found that Person A also caused harm to Person B.

Compensatio injuriarum is a legal principle that allows for the balancing of harms in a legal action. It recognizes that both parties may have caused harm to each other and seeks to provide a fair and just outcome. The examples illustrate how compensatio injuriarum may be applied in different situations where both parties have suffered harm.